How to clean a mirror
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Time to read 4 min
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, what is the best way to clean you of all?”
Given how often we look at ourselves in the mirror, you’d think we’d all be experts at keeping them streak-free and spotless. That said, while you would think it’s no more challenging than cleaning a piece of glass, achieving a perfectly clean mirror—sans streaks, watermarks, or residue—can be surprisingly tricky without the right tools and technique. From using the wrong type of cloth or overspraying cleaner, small mistakes add up to leave behind smudges, lint, or that frustrating hazy film that shows up when the light hits just right.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the easiest way to keep your home’s mirrors in pristine condition, so they reflect you and your cleaning skills in the best possible light. Say goodbye to streaks—hello to sparkling, crystal-clear reflections.
Why clean mirrors matter
Compare a mirror to a window, eyeglasses, or a car’s windshield. In all those cases, unlike with mirrors, you’re looking through the glass, not at it. Fingerprints, watermarks, and smudges simply stand out more on a mirror, making them harder to ignore and a distracting eyesore.
The tools you need to clean a mirror
While we acknowledge a degree of bias here, there simply isn’t a replacement for a dedicated glass cleaning microfibre cloth. Paper towels and natural-fibre rags are sandpaper compared to microfibre cloths, which also come out on top for absorbency and scratch-free cleaning.
1. A high-quality glass cleaning microfibre cloth set
Soft, non-abrasive, and ultra-absorbent, microfibre cloths are ideal for polishing glass without leaving streaks, residue, or lint. Paragon Microfibre recommends keeping a set of two dedicated glass cleaning cloths in your home for mirrors and windows, one for cleaning and one for buffing.
Running low on high-quality microfibre cloths?
Check out our selection of premium microfibre cloths to make household cleaning a breeze.
2. Glass or mirror cleaner, store-bought or DIY
Glass or mirror cleaners help to break down smudges and oils for easier and streak-free cleaning. It really is your choice when it comes to going DIY or using a store-bought cleaner such as Windex. For convenience, buy a bottle. For affordability or chemical-free cleaning, mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1 cup of white vinegar and a drop of washing-up liquid to prevent bathroom mirrors from steaming up.
3. A spray bottle if using a homemade cleaning solution
For even coverage without over-saturating the mirror.
How to clean a mirror: a step-by-step guide
1. Lightly spray the mirror with a cleaning solution
Lightly mist your mirror with either a store-bought or homemade glass cleaning solution. It’s important to note that you only need enough cleaner to lightly dampen the surface. Avoid spraying enough cleaner to form droplets that run down the mirror, especially near the edge of the mirror. Too much cleaner may soak your cloth and make a streak-free result harder to achieve.
2. Starting from the top, wipe in a zig-zag motion
Using your microfibre cloth, start at the top corner and work your way down in a zig-zag pattern. This helps to ensure even coverage and prevent streaks. Almost all marks and smudges should disappear near instantaneously, and extra stubborn dirt should be easy enough to remove with a bit of vigorous rubbing.
3. Buff to perfection with a clean and dry cloth
Use your second glass cleaning microfibre cloth to give the mirror a final buff. This removes any remaining moisture and gives the surface a flawless and streak-free shine.
4. Step back to view your work in the light
An often overlooked step, viewing your mirror from different angles can help you find any overlooked spots or missed smudges. A quick touch-up with your dry cloth should do the trick.
Still got questions? Here's the FAQ
What’s the best way to clean a mirror without leaving streaks?
Use a high-quality microfibre cloth and a light mist of cleaner. Wipe in a top-to-bottom zig-zag motion, then buff with a second dry microfibre cloth for a flawless, streak-free finish.
Can I use paper towels or kitchen roll to clean my mirror?
It’s not recommended. Paper towels often leave lint, streaks, or fine scratches . Microfibre cloths are softer, more absorbent , and specially designed for glass cleaning.
What’s the difference between a regular microfibre cloth and a glass cleaning cloth?
Glass cleaning microfibre cloths typically have a tighter weave and smoother texture to deliver a lint-free, streak-free finish , especially on shiny surfaces like mirrors or windows.
How much cleaner should I use on a mirror?
Just a light mist —enough to dampen the surface. Using too much cleaner can oversaturate the cloth, leading to smears and residue .
What causes that hazy film on a mirror even after cleaning?
Often caused by residue from soap, cleaner, or dirty cloths . Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to buff the mirror. If haze persists, try a vinegar-based cleaner to break it down.
Can I use the same cloth to clean and buff the mirror?
You can, but for the best results, use two cloths : one damp for cleaning and one dry for buffing. This ensures a crystal-clear, streak-free finish .
Reflect the best version of your home with Paragon Microfibre
As the UK’s leaders in supplying high-quality microfibre products for both home and commercial applications, Paragon Microfibre delivers the tools you need for a streak-free clean every time—trusted by professionals and made to last. Our products are ultra-soft, ultra-absorbent, and lint-free for effortless cleaning and flawless results. For microfibre products that consistently deliver as promised, think Paragon Microfibre.
